Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
HEAVEN -- NO MORE TOOTHACHES!
I just took two aspirin for a toothache. I'm praying they'll do their job soon because it's really starting to hurt. (Oh, no, not another root canal!)
My toothache is a painful reminder that I'm living in an imperfect world of sin and death. Right now I'm finding it difficult to appreciate the reminder, but it's a reminder I need. Too easily I lose my focus. With all of the distractions in our modern world, I sometimes forget where I'm going. I lose sight of the fact that as a blood-bought child of God I'm just passing through this world to somewhere so much better. My toothache is sending me a very clear and very loud message. It's telling me: Don't fall in love with this world and this life. Rather, keep looking up!
I look up to Heaven through God's Word, by meditating on my Baptism, or by partaking of the Lord's Supper. Through the Gospel in Word and Sacrament the Spirit draws me close to Jesus and the peace that comes from knowing He has paid for all my sins. Because of Him, nothing in all creation can separate me from God's love. Nothing can stop me from one day reaching the shores of my true homeland. One day there will be a final end to all my tears and fears, to all my heartaches, and yes, even my toothaches. Even death, the last enemy, will be destroyed!
I can't wait for the day when Christ puts all the doctors and dentists and drug companies out of business! In the meantime, let's keep pointing lost sinners to the cross and to the blue skies of heaven. Let us tell one and all of our wonderful Savior, the One Who promises: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
